April Fools Day 1967 has special meaning for McHenry County citizens. It is the official beginning of McHenry County College. On this historic April 1st, voters gave their approval to form a college district.
It was the first successful, countywide referendum in ten years, although various attempts were made, including one for a junior college four years earlier.
Educating voters about the benefits of a higher education facility was handled by a group of hundreds of McHenry County citizens. The referendum needed approval in both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county’s seven high school districts. A simple majority apporval was not permitted by law.
The electorate was well–informed by area newspapers, radio stations, a speakers bureau, bumper stickers, posters, brochures, town meetings, and neighbors and friends.
Paper ballots were still used in the county and required counting by hand, so results took longer than current day voting. Waiting for the election outcome was an anxious experience.
Voters approved the college district formation 64 to 36 percent in incorporated areas and 58 to 42 percent in unincorporated areas. This met the state–required test for approval in both areas.
Voters returned to the polls nearly 60 days later to elect a Board of Trustees so operation of the new district could begin. Organizers hoped classes could start in September 1967.
More on the election of Trustees in my next Audio Cast.
Share your memories, and learn how you can join the College’s fortieth anniversary celebrations beginning Sunday, April 15th 2007.
This is Iris Bryan, the voice of McHenry County College History.
1/29/07